The NSW Agriculture Minister’s demand for more foreign workers could soon be met by a national agreement – if the other states and territories sign off on it.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne told Jim Wilson the federal government is negotiating for Pacific workers from low-risk countries to enter Australia quarantine-free from November 1.

“The Prime Minister has written to the states and territories proposing a Pacific partnership pathway, and we’re waiting for confirmation … that they wish to participate in that.”

However, the Minister said she wants to see the quarantine-free travel program prove successful for Australian arrivals and their families first before tourism resumes.

“I think it’s really important not to lose sight of the fact that we have been dealing with a global pandemic that has resulted in so many deaths, and so much impact and injury to families right around the world.”

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